Contact lens cleaning is fundamental for maintaining eye health and preventing serious infections. Lenses worn for more than a single day require consistent disinfection to remove natural deposits from the tear film, such as lipids and proteins. Proper care extends the life of reusable lenses, maintains comfort during wear, and significantly reduces the risk of microbial contamination. Following a strict cleaning routine ensures safe and comfortable vision correction.
Standard Daily Cleaning Frequency
Reusable contact lenses, such as bi-weekly or monthly soft lenses, require cleaning and disinfection every time they are removed from the eye. This routine is independent of how long the lenses were worn that day. The goal is to immediately clear the lens surface of accumulated deposits and microorganisms before they can multiply.
A frequent error is “topping off” the solution, which means adding fresh solution to the old solution already in the case. This practice significantly reduces the disinfecting power and allows bacteria to grow. Therefore, a fresh quantity of disinfecting solution must be used for cleaning and storing the lenses every day.
The solution should be discarded from the lens case each morning after the lenses are inserted. If lenses are stored for 30 days or more, they must be cleaned and disinfected with fresh solution again before they are worn.
Proper Technique for Lens Disinfection
The most effective method for cleaning soft contact lenses is the “rub and rinse” technique, even when using solutions labeled as “no-rub.” Rubbing the lens provides a mechanical action that physically dislodges debris, protein, and lipid deposits from the lens surface. Chemical disinfection alone may not fully accomplish this task, making physical removal a powerful preventative measure against eye irritation and infection.
Before handling lenses, hands must be washed thoroughly with mild soap and dried with a lint-free towel to avoid transferring germs or lint. The cleaning process begins by placing the lens in the palm of a clean, dry hand and applying a few drops of the recommended multipurpose solution.
Using a clean fingertip, gently rub the lens in a circular motion for about 20 seconds, ensuring both sides are cleaned. The lens must then be rinsed thoroughly with a steady stream of fresh multipurpose solution to wash away loosened debris and cleaning residue. Finally, the lens is placed into its clean storage case and completely submerged in new, unused disinfecting solution for the recommended soaking time, typically four to eight hours.
How Lens Type Affects Cleaning Needs
The required cleaning frequency and technique depend on the type of contact lens worn. Daily disposable soft lenses require no cleaning, as they are discarded after a single use and replaced with a sterile pair the next day. This modality is considered the safest because it eliminates the daily risk of solution and case contamination.
Extended wear lenses are approved for continuous use, which may include sleeping, and follow a strict replacement schedule determined by an eye care professional. Although designed for overnight wear, the practitioner may recommend removing them nightly for cleaning to minimize infection risk.
Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) lenses are harder and more durable than soft lenses and also require daily cleaning and disinfection. RGP care often involves a two-step system: a separate daily cleaner to rub the lens, followed by a soaking or conditioning solution for disinfection. The solutions used for RGP lenses are specific to that lens type and should not be interchanged with soft lens solutions.
Essential Care for the Contact Lens Case
The storage case is a common source of microbial contamination and requires daily care separate from the lenses. When the lenses are removed each morning, the old solution must be completely emptied out. Never rinse the case with tap water, as it can harbor microorganisms like Acanthamoeba that cause severe eye infections.
The empty case should be rinsed with a fresh, sterile contact lens solution, not water or saline. After rinsing, the case should be left open and placed upside down on a clean tissue or paper towel to allow it to air-dry completely. This process prevents the growth of bacteria and fungi in a moist environment.
Contact lens cases should be replaced at least every three months. Over time, the plastic develops small scratches where pathogens can hide and form biofilms, even with proper daily rinsing. Regular replacement ensures the lenses are stored in a hygienic environment.